Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
  • G07F17/20—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for washing or drying articles, e.g. clothes, motor cars
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
  • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
  • G06Q20/10—Payment architectures specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems
  • G06Q20/105—Payment architectures specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems involving programming of a portable memory device, e.g. IC cards, "electronic purses"
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
  • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
  • G06Q20/12—Payment architectures specially adapted for electronic shopping systems
  • G06Q20/127—Shopping or accessing services according to a time-limitation
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
  • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
  • G06Q20/20—Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
  • G06Q20/204—Point-of-sale [POS] network systems comprising interface for record bearing medium or carrier for electronic funds transfer or payment credit
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
  • G07F17/0014—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00

Definitions

• the invention avoids the necessity of an institution to expend significant capital up-front or incur fixed periodic rent payments under a lease to acquire commercial appliances or equipment.
• the cost of acquisition is directly correlated to the utilization of the equipment made by the institution during its regular business operations.
• the institution is a hotel and the commercial equipment is a laundry system
• the initial cost of acquiring the laundry system may be limited only to the installation of the system.
• the cost of purchasing the laundry system can then be tied to the particular use made of the system by the hotel.
• the unique ability of the invention to tie the acquisition cost of the laundry system to. the actual utility of the system greatly enhances the ability of institutions to acquire the system.
• equipment is provided with a controller that stores "points" representing payments made towards the purchase or use of the equipment. Every time the equipment, for example, a washing machine, performs a cycle, a portion of the stored points are debited from a stored balance. The institution purchasing the washing machine thus pays for the machine over each wash cycle. When the balance of the stored points reaches zero, or is less than the number of points needed to perform a particular machine function, the machine becomes inoperable. In order for the institution to regain use of the machine additional points must be added to the stored point balance.
• a user or institution attempting to replenish a stored point balance may obtain a unique machine code which is generated by the machine.
• This machine code is submitted to the seller of the machine, together with an additional payment towards the purchase of the machine.
• the seller inputs the machine code into a system controller, together with the amount of the payment received.
• the system controller in accordance with the invention, then generates a unique authorization code for output to the user/institution.
• This authorization code may be input to the machine to effectuate replenishment of the stored point balance, so as to permit further use of the machine.
• the invention realizes a "pay-per-wash" system that allows an institution to acquire a washing machine or other equipment without making any significant up-front payment nor any obligation to make fixed periodic payments.
• FIGURE 1 is a logic block diagram illustrating an appliance in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention
• FIGURE 2a is a flowchart illustrating operation of the function enable component in the controller of Fig. 1 in accordance with the invention
• FIGURE 2b is a flowchart illustrating operation of the controller unit of Fig. 1 in accordance with the invention
• FIGURE 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the system operator of the invention.
• FIGURE 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the system operator of Fig. 3 in accordance with the invention.
• the invention will be described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1, 2a, 2b, 3 and 4.
• the invention is described herein in its preferred application to laundry machines having washing and/or drying apparatus that provide laundry functions to users in institutions such as hotels, motels, nursing homes, hospitals (and other health care facilities), schools, clubs, commercial laundry outlets, pharmaceutical (and other manufacturing) plants, and any other known institutions employing laundry systems.
• institutions such as hotels, motels, nursing homes, hospitals (and other health care facilities), schools, clubs, commercial laundry outlets, pharmaceutical (and other manufacturing) plants, and any other known institutions employing laundry systems.
• the invention may be applicable to any type or configuration of appliance or equipment that encounters the same or similar problems overcome by the invention described herein.
• a laundry machine 100 is provided that is capable of performing laundry functions including hot water wash 25a, cold water wash 25b, chemical wash 25c, hot air dry, cold air dry, chemical dry, drain, extraction, as well as any other laundry function 25n known in the art, or combination of such functions as shown in Fig. 1.
• the operation of the functions 25a...25n are controlled by controller 10, particularly, the function enable component 17 of controller 10.
• the function enable component 17 activates a selected laundry function, by issuing an enable signal to one or more laundry function components 25a...25n, the laundry machine 100 performs the selected laundry functions in the well known manner.
• the extent to which function enable component block 17 may enable the use of laundry machine 100 by an institution, however, depends on the extent to which the laundry system is authorized to perform the selected function(s), as will be described below.
• a controller 10 is provided to oversee the system control of the laundry machine 100.
• a central processing unit (CPU) 11 controls (directly or indirectly) all of the functional components in the laundry machine.
• CPU 11 controls (directly or indirectly) all of the functional components in the laundry machine.
• a point balance register 16 is provided to store "point values" that represent the extent to which the institution has paid for use of the laundry machine 100.
• the laundry machine controller 10 is programmed to manage the operation of the laundry machine as follows (illustrated in Fig. 2a) .
• a laundry function may be performed on the laundry machine 100 whenever there is a sufficient "point value" balance stored in the point balance register 16 to cover the "point cost" of a requested operation.
• step 210) An initial check to determine whether the balance is near zero is performed prior to detecting the presence of any operational request (step 210) .
• function enable component 17 Upon request for execution of one or more selected ones of the number of laundry functions available on the laundry machine 100 (step 211) , as received through input device 21, function enable component 17 will first determine whether a sufficient point value balance is stored in register 16.
• an individual point value cost is associated with that function.
• the assignment of point value costs is made by the equipment provider, typically before shipment of the machine, depending on the expected utilization and incidental costs required to implement each laundry function.
• the point value costs would likely, for example, reflect an amortization of the price of the machine and may also include the associated costs of operation such as hot and cold water consumption, chemical consumption, electrical consumption, gas consumption, duration of cycle, anticipated service associated with wear and tear on the machine (e.g., "service contract"), and any other costs as established by the equipment provider.
• the function enable component 17 For each of the selected laundry functions, the function enable component 17 will determine the point value cost or retrieve from memory a pre-assigned point value cost associated with the selected function (step 212) . Function enable component 17 will use the associated point value cost as a minimum threshold point value balance in determining whether the point balance stored in register 16 is sufficient to permit enablement of that laundry function (step 213) . Where the point value balance stored in the point balance register 16 at least meets the minimum threshold for a particular function, function enable component 17 will issue an enable signal to that function component (25a...25n) to activate the particular laundry function requested by the user of the laundry machine 100 (step 214). Where the minimum threshold for a function is not met by the point value balance stored in register 16, function enable block 17 will activate warning mechanism 24 (step 216) .
• This mechanism is preferably a visual, audible, tactile, or other known sensory perceptible altering device that is capable of informing a user that the laundry machine 100 is not authorize ⁇ to perform the requested function.
• the warning mechanism may supply the warning independent of output component 20, as part of output component 20, or both.
• point value balance stored in point balance register 16 may be updated or replenished in many ways, two of which are described below.
• controller 10 is programmed to perform the following operation (illustrated in Fig. 2b) .
• Controller 10 employs three mathematical algorithm-based code or number generators: random number generator 13; machine code generator 14; and replenish code generator 15.
• random number generator 13 generates a random number "seed" that serves as an input to machine code generator 14 (step 202) .
• a unique equipment or machine code is generated in machine code generator 14 (step 203) .
• it is this machine code that is submitted to the point seller with a request for a particular quantity of additional points that will result in issuance of an authorization or replenishment code by the point seller that increments point balance register 16 by that number of points and enables further use of the machine.
• This machine code is taken by replenish code generator 15 to internally generate a unique authorization or replenish code (step 205) matching the one to be generated by the point seller (and given to the user upon receipt of additional payment) (step 204).
• the user inputs the authorization or replenish code given by the seller in response to the machine code, point request (and payment) .
• the internally generated replenish code from replenish code generator 15 is compared in unit 22 with the input user replica of the replenish code (step 206) .
• the replica of the replenish code output by the system operator is masked by, embedded with, or otherwise encoded with the amount of payment made (or point count requested) by the user to effectuate further use of machine 100.
• This payment amount must be extracted from the replica replenish code entered into input device 21 by the user before a comparison can be made in compare unit 22.
• compare unit 22 is configured to extract the payment amount (or point count) data from the input replica replenish code and derive the portion of the code that is to be compared with the output of local replenish code generator to determine whether the input code is valid. If the input replica of the replenish code is invalid, a warning can be issued (if desired) using any variety of mechanism, including warning device 24 or an equivalent mechanism (step 209) .
• a transfer unit 23 is provided for transferring point value balances from other machines or accounts of the user, institution or other third parties.
• compare unit 22 will issue a transfer enable signal 27b permitting the transfer unit to effectuate over line 27a update or replenishment of the point value balance stored in point balance register 16, in the same manner as previously described.
• the amount to be transferred may be stored on a smartcard and read into the system using a card reader in the transfer unit 23.
• the transferred amount may also be sent to transfer unit 23 over a wireless or network link from another laundry machine, appliance, equipment, or other transferring mechanism (such as a remote computer, for example) .
• a reverse transfer using this same transfer unit 23 may also be effectuated.
• a portion (or all) of the point value balance stored in the point balance register 16 is debited from register 16 without any associated activation of a laundry function. This operation may be required by an institution that wishes to reallocate points from one machine to another or obtain credit (if available) from the point seller.
• function enable component 17 effectuates transfers via transfer unit 23 to a smartcard, wireless or network link, or any other known receiving device that can store or transmit the transferred point value balance for later or immediate transfer into another laundry machine or the like.
• the invention also contemplates the possibility to include in the replenishment process the ability for the machinery provider to alter the point value cost of one or more machine functions.
• This point value cost change may be effected by encoding the desired change into the authorization or replenishment code entered by the point purchaser or transferred to the machine through a modality of transfer unit 23.
• point balance register 16 may be remotely located and accessed by the machine through a modality of transfer unit 23, one possible embodiment being comprised of a "pre-paid point card" .
• the user may be required to submit payment, together with a replica of the unique machine code generated by machine code generator 14 to a point seller's system operator. Accordingly, the machine code generated by machine code generator 14 is output to the user through output device 20.
• output device 20 is a video display mounted on the laundry machine 100.
• any suitable output device may be used, including: a wireless (e.g., radio frequency (RF) , infrared, etc.) transmitter to a portable user receiver; a card recorder writing to a recording medium on a card apparatus; a communication line to a user remote location (or directly to the point seller) through a public network such as the Internet or an institution-based network such as LAN, intranet, etc.; or any other output device known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
• RF radio frequency
• a user or institution desiring to make a payment towards the purchase of the laundry machine 100 in order to allow replenishment of the point value stored in the machine's point balance register 16 must submit a request for a quantity of points, and possibly the required payment through any known manner to the point seller, together with a replica of the machine code output by output device 20. After receiving payment, the seller will provide the user with an authorization or replenish code.
• the system operator 300 (Fig. 3) itself may be custom equipment containing specific hardware, software, or both, for use in authorizing use of the laundry machine 100, or it may be a general purpose computer having CPU 30 executing an authorization program stored in program memory 32.
• the system operator 300 is programmed to perform the following operation (illustrated in Fig. 4) .
• a replica of the machine code issued by laundry machine 100 (step 402) , together with an amount of payment made toward the purchase or use of laundry machine 100 (step 404) is input to the system operator 300.
• input device 34 is a well known keypad entry device which may be used by the seller itself or the user to input some or all of the required information.
• the input device may receive the input information from the user over a wireless link, a smartcard, an internal or external network, or any other mechanism known in the art.
• replenish code generator 36 Based on the input number of points and/or payment amount and replica machine code, replenish code generator 36 generates a replica of the authorization or replenish code for comparison to that generated in the replenish code generator 15 of laundry machine 100 (step 406) .
• This replica of the replenish code is then output to the user via output device 38 (step 408) .
• the output device is a video display that can be accessed by the point seller or the user/institution.
• the output device may provide the replica of the valid replenish code to the user or institution through a wireless link or network link, as is well known in the art.
• the user/institution can then take the replica of the replenish code issued by the system operator 300 and input the replenish code into laundry machine 100 to replenish the point value balance stored in its point balance register 16 so as to permit the laundry machine 100 to be used further (or to permit transfer of points to or from the machine) .
• the invention has been described in detail in connection with the best mode of the invention currently known, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to the specified embodiments described herein. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention.
• Functional blocks 25a...25n of laundry machine 100 are described herein as directly representing discrete laundry functions such as hot water wash, cold water wash, etc.
• the components may represent the utility elements used to perform the laundry functions such as the gas, electricity or other heat generating elements required to produce hot water (for washing) or hot air (for drying), etc.
• the input and output devices in laundry machine 100 and the input and output devices in system operator 300 are directed to receiving and transmitting information from and to the user or institution, it should be readily apparent that the input/output devices of the laundry machine 100 can be modified to exchange the same information directly with the output/input devices of the system operator 300.
• the invention thus described may also be modified by requiring the user to input a payment amount (or requested point count) into the laundry machine together with the replica of the replenish code issued by the system operator (point seller) .
• the compare unit 22 (or other device) may be relieved of its task of extracting the payment amount information from the input replica replenish code. (In the alternative, the payment amount may still be extracted but used as an additional point of comparison with the input amount.)

Priority Applications (5)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=22580611

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (7)

Cited By (1)

Families Citing this family (26)

Citations (4)

Family Cites Families (11)

• 1999
  • 1999-09-24 EP EP99969804A patent/EP1118047B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1999-09-24 DE DE69922234T patent/DE69922234T2/de not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1999-09-24 WO PCT/SE1999/001705 patent/WO2000019287A1/en active IP Right Grant
  • 1999-09-24 ES ES99969804T patent/ES2234334T3/es not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1999-09-24 AT AT99969804T patent/ATE283510T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1999-09-24 AU AU11939/00A patent/AU1193900A/en not_active Abandoned
• 2000
  • 2000-03-23 US US09/534,086 patent/US6356881B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime

Patent Citations (4)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events